Debunking the 'Man United tax' myth: It's time to stop overpaying for players
Transfer chiefs at Old Trafford have bemoaned the "Man United tax" over the years, but it's on the club to stop paying over the odds for players.
Football
14th June 2025
Scouting Lionel Messi: The GOAT's capabilities entering the Club World Cup
There is still magic left in Messi, but there’s only so much that he can do with a supporting cast that is so limited.
Dessers set for Rangers departure - gossip
Celtic line up move for Sweden international as Rangers aim to sell top scorer and bring in a replacement striker.
Raids and fear cast a large shadow over Club World Cup’s big launch
Governing body cannot avoid the dark political backdrop to its tournament opening as Trump’s authorities flex their muscles.
Thomas Frank gave Brentford fans so much for so long – we will truly miss him
Across nearly seven years, Frank achieved great things. His switch to Spurs feels like a break-up but we wish him well Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. Thomas Frank is no longer Brentford’s manager and that’s not easy to write.
Xabi Alonso seeks meaning of ‘Madridismo’ on return to chaotic and toxic Real Madrid
Club World Cup offers new coach a first chance to measure task ahead at a club that has become angry and unmoored. Of course he has been taking part in training. Quite frankly, it would have been deeply and offensively off-brand for Xabi Alonso not to have joined in.
Theo Walcott on England's striker shortage: 'It's a sad, sad way we're going'
The former forward worries English football is becoming too predictable - and would have liked to see Arsenal make a move for Liam Delap.
Fifa, the Club World Cup and Saudi Arabia
A detailed look at the figures behind the Fifa Club World Cup, and how investment from Saudi Arabia appears to be underpinning the tournament.
Portland left stunned in late home draw against San Jose
Portland Timbers will only have themselves to blame after a lackluster performance against the visiting San Jose Earthquakes ended in a 1-1 draw at Providence Park. Scorers: Mosquera 71'; Judd 90+3'Se...
Inside Thomas Frank's Tottenham Hotspur appointment
Daniel Levy led the pursuit of the Dane and Brentford did not attempt to persuade him to stay on as manager.
If Club World Cup attendances are an issue, FIFA will bear much of the responsibility
There are going to be lots of emptry seats when the tournament begins but that is not the fault of U.S. soccer fans.
How can Liverpool afford Florian Wirtz?
How are the Premier League champions able to spend so big on one player and does it impact their PSR prospects?.
Arise, Sir David: But what does Beckham's knighthood entail, and what does it mean?
The former England captain and now joint owner of Inter Miami has finally been bestowed the title in King Charles’ birthday honours.
What to expect from The Athletic's Club World Cup coverage, including video highlights
The Athletic is here to guide you through the Club World Cup - and you'll be able to watch the best of the action too.
Messi closed his book of legend long ago. A surprise afterword could be just as extraordinary
At nearly 38, Lionel Messi will walk into the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States as the tournament’s most decorated player, its most watched figure and perhaps its most improbable protagonist.
Boca's Costa gets U.S. visa for CWC after U-turn
Boca Juniors defender Ayrton Costa will be able to take part in the Club World Cup in the United States following a u-turn by U.S. immigration officials who had previously rejected his visa application, the Argentine club said on Friday.
Transfer rumors, news: Barça discuss Nico Williams as Bayern, Arsenal circle
Barcelona have spoken with Nico Williams' agents to explore a possible deal. Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors.
Mexico prez calls for no ICE action at Gold Cup
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged U.S. authorities not to conduct immigration enforcement targeting attendees of a Gold Cup match in the Los Angeles area.
Arise, Sir David: Beckham knighted by king
Manchester United and England legend David Beckham has been awarded a knighthood in King Charles' Birthday Honours list.
Why the expanded FIFA Club World Cup is worth the effort -- and the risk
While the Club World Cup seems profit-driven from the outside, it's a competition that's worth trying.
Marsch lauds Canada's Gold Cup commitment as USMNT wrestles with same topic
Jesse Marsch claims his comments weren't a dig at the USMNT and star Christian Pulisic, but the aren't many other ways to read into them.
Hint over Ange’s next club as link to big-money suitor emerges
Ange Postecoglou’s next job may be with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli, according to reports from The Telegraph.
David Beckham awarded knighthood in King Charles III's birthday honours list
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder was awarded an OBE in 2003 and has long been tipped to receive a knighthood.
5️⃣ must-watch fixtures across matchday 19 in MLS
Action across MLS continues in earnest this weekend in the wake of NYCFC's 4-0 demolition job over visiting Atlanta United yesterday evening in the Bronx. As wandering eyes begin to focus in on the C...
Beckham knighthood confirmed in King's Honours
Darts duo Luke Littler and Luke Humphries are awarded MBEs in the King's Birthday Honours, while Virginia Wade earns a CBE.
Monaco interested in move for Paul Pogba
The 32-year-old has been without a club since November and has not played competitively since September 2023.
Newcastle step up Pedro interest - Saturday's gossip
Newcastle step up their interest in Joao Pedro, Bayer Leverkusen target Manchester City's James McAtee.
ICE at soccer games? Some fans fear possible presence as Club World Cup, Gold Cup begin amid protests
MIAMI — When Club World Cup tickets went on sale this winter, Rafael couldn’t resist. A soccer fanatic originally from Mexico who now lives in Southern California, he and his wife planned a trip to the Rose Bowl for PSG vs. Atlético Madrid.
Sources: Pogba in talks to return with Monaco
Paul Pogba is close to ending his two-year absence from football after opening with AS Monaco over a deal with the Ligue 1 team, sources have told ESPN.
Messi on CWC: Expectations different with Miami
Lionel Messi shared that he has different expectations with Inter Miami going into the 2025 Club World Cup than when competing previously with other teams.
Source: Barça set to sign keeper García for €25m
Barcelona are set to sign Joan García after exercising the Espanyol goalkeeper's €25 million ($28.9 million) release clause, a source has confirmed to ESPN.
Sources: Man City yet to receive Grealish offer
Manchester City are yet to receive a formal offer for Jack Grealish despite making the England midfielder available for transfer this summer, sources have told ESPN.
Your Guardian Sport weekend: Club World Cup, US Open golf, tennis and rugby finals
Here’s how to follow along with our coverage – the finest writing and up-to-the-minute reports. Continue reading...
This Club World Cup needs Lionel Messi just as much as Inter Miami do
Messi and his team-mates trained under the watchful eye of David Beckham on the eve of their Club World Cup opener at Hard Rock Stadium.
Borrowed culture and a plasticine burger – welcome to the Club World Cup and almost-football
Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami play in Saturday’s opener but people still look blank when asked about Fifa’s $1bn event. Fire up the marching band. Rouse the majorettes from their state of indifference.
Spurs finally have an unpredictable head coach – but Thomas Frank is efficient too
Unlike José Mourinho, Antonio Conte and Ange Postecoglou, Frank is not wedded to one way of playing. By Opta Analyst “We are finding our feet in the best league in the world. We are developing a way of playing that is a little bit more pragmatic.”.
How seriously are people taking the Club World Cup?
With the Club World Cup starting this weekend, BBC Sport looks at how seriously the expanded tournament is being taken.
Pogba aiming to return with Monaco after doping ban
French World Cup winner Paul Pogba is in talks with Monaco about a return to football after serving a doping ban.
Olivier Giroud: Trust Christian Pulisic's decision over Gold Cup absence
As controversy twirls, Pulisic received support from an old collegue.
Cleverley appointed as Plymouth Argyle boss
Plymouth Argyle appoint former Watford boss Tom Cleverley as their head coach.
Askou wants 'aggressive not passive' Motherwell
New Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou wants his players to be "aggressive" as he does not like "passive football".
Transfer roundup: Everton eye Thierno Barry as Brighton sign Kostoulas
Everton have turned their attentions to the Villarreal striker Thierno Barry as David Moyes attempts to improve his forward options for next season. Barry scored 11 goals in La Liga last season and 19 overall as Villarreal qualified for the Champions League.
Man City yet to receive Grealish offers - could a loan be the answer?
Manchester City have not yet received any formal offers for out-of-favour £100m midfielder Jack Grealish.
Manchester City may loan out Jack Grealish having received no offers
Manchester City are yet to receive a formal offer for Jack Grealish, with the club potentially demanding about £50m for the forward who cost a then British record £100m in August 2021. Grealish was not in the City squad that arrived in Boca Raton, Florida, on Thursday to prepare for Wednesday’s Club World Cup game against Wydad, having been excluded by Pep Guardiola.
Luis Suarez says MLS teams can surprise 'fatigued' European sides at Club World Cup
The former Barcelona forward says the European clubs are the favourites but has predicted upsets after a "long season.".
Spurs hold talks over signing Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and are interested in Yoane Wissa
Tottenham have held initial talks about signing Bryan Mbeumo from Thomas Frank’s former club Brentford and are also interested in bringing his strike partner Yoane Wissa to north London.
Sources: Liverpool agrees to $157M Wirtz deal
Liverpool have agreed to sign Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz in a deal that could rise to a British transfer record fee of £116m, sources have told ESPN.
Al Hilal say no pre-Club World Cup transfers due to player demands: 'We don't print money'
Al Hilal have previously signed Euro-based players including Neymar, Ruben Neves, Aleksandr Mitrovic and Joao Cancelo,.
Bolton sign defender Taylor from St Mirren
Bolton Wanderers sign St Mirren defender Richard Taylor and Felixstowe & Walton United forward Charlie Warren.
Club World Cup mega-preview: Predictions, what you need to know about all 32 teams
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will start Saturday, with 32 teams playing 63 games. Here's what you need to know about the teams, their chances, and this competition.
PayPal Park to host NWSL title match
PayPal Park in San Jose, California, will host the 2025 NWSL Championship on Nov. 22.
Madrid sign Argentina wonderkid Mastantuono
Real Madrid have signed River Plate star Franco Mastantuono, the LaLiga club has announced.
James Milner signs one-year contract to remain at Brighton & Hove Albion
The 39-year-old played only four games in the 2024-25 season due to a thigh issue that sidelined him for the majority of the campaign.
Come for free, fan forever? How Sounders' ticket gamble is filling seats ahead of Club World Cup
In a time of great change, how do you appeal to new fans? If you’re the Seattle Sounders FC, you let them come for free. The Sounders are at a turning point.
Milner, 39, extends Brighton deal by another season
Brighton extend the contract of James Milner by another season in a deal which will take the midfielder past his 40th birthday.
Football Daily
Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now! After years of existing only as a fever dream inside the shiny, spacious cranium of Fifa’s greatest showman, Gianni Infantino, the first edition of an expanded, summertime Club World Cup that nobody asked for is finally here.
Association football: offside law amendment passed – archive, 1925
On 13 June 1925, the International Football Association Board voted to reduce the required number of opponents between an attacker and the goal line from three to two. 15 June 1925. Continue reading...
Real Madrid sign Argentina record-breaker Mastantuono
Real Madrid sign 17-year-old Franco Mastantuono, the youngest player to ever feature for Argentina, from River Plate.
SPFL calls for greater use of football banning orders
The SPFL says there is a greater need for football banning orders to tackle "unacceptable" conduct at matches.
Spurs file High Court claim against Ratcliffe's Ineos
Tottenham file High Court proceedings against Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's company Ineos Automotive.
Football Daily
Best bits as John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball talk football, travel & language.
13th June 2025
How USMNT's World Cup run-up, global ranking compares to past hosts
USMNT is wobbling before its home World Cup. How do the run-ups of other past hosts compare, and what did it mean for their WC performance?.
Filippo Inzaghi leaves Pisa after Serie A promotion
Inzaghi led the club back to the top-flight for the first time in 34 years with a second-placed finish in the 2024-25 season.
Pressley 'in a much better place' to manage Dundee
Dundee head coach Steven Pressley believes he has come back to Scotland better equipped to succeed than when he left 12 years ago.
Sources: Liverpool agrees to $157M Wirtz deal
Liverpool have agreed to sign Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz in a deal that could rise to a British transfer record fee of £116m, sources have told ESPN.
Frank: 'Left a big piece of my heart in Brentford'
Thomas Frank has penned an emotional letter to Brentford following the confirmation of his departure from the club after nine years with the club.
Walker: I'd give up a PL title for Spurs trophy
Kyle Walker has revealed that he would give up one of his Premier League titles to be able to say he won a trophy at Tottenham.
Fouls, aggression and long shots galore: What it really means to 'get Concacafed'
This summer's Concacaf Gold Cup is sure to provide a lot of shenanigans, and not just for the USMNT. But what exactly makes North and Central American soccer so brutal and silly?.
What are the priorities for new Spurs manager Frank?
After seven successful years with Brentford, Thomas Frank opted to swap west London for north London when he signed a deal to become Tottenham Hotspur's new boss.
Thomas Frank’s Tottenham in-tray: style, injuries, the defence and Levy
The Dane showed at Brentford how he will approach some issues, though handling the chair will, as ever, be key. Early in Ange Postecoglou’s reign, Spurs fans chanted: “We’ve got our Tottenham back.”.
Tottenham interested in signing Brentford's Mbeumo
Tottenham are interested in signing Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo.
Morata considered faking injury to miss Euro 2024 due to depression, he says in new doc
The Spain striker made the revelations in a new 90-minute documentary to be broadcast next week.
Palmeiras president Leila Pereira: ‘I fought for this. I hope my fight inspires others’
Of the 32 clubs at the men’s Club World Cup, Palmeiras have the only female president, a billionaire businesswoman who pulls no punches. “People think women are the weaker sex, and we’re not. I fight back.
Club World Cup and referees: Explaining the new goalkeeping rule, 'Ref Cam' and advanced VAR
What new rules will be in force for this summer's competition and how will they be applied?.
What we're hearing in the transfer window: Gyökeres to Man United? Onana replaced?
The summer transfer window is now open, but what are our reporters hearing about deals that could be done? Get the latest every Friday.
How do add-ons work in football transfers?
BBC Sports examines exactly how extra amounts added on to transfer fees really work.
The 32 Club World Cup squads and each side's new signings
Here is every player competing at the tournament and who they play for.
The Athletic’s Friday football quiz question #59
Can you answer the weekly poser plucked from deep inside The Athletic's trivia vaults?.
Ranking the best and worst Club World Cup home kits: Divorcee vibes, pixel madness and flawless Tunisian flair
Nick Miller ranks all 32 Club World Cup home strips from worst to best.
Liverpool agree £116m deal for Wirtz
Liverpool agree a £116m deal, which includes a guaranteed £100m, to sign Germany attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.
The Athletic FC: The rise of Infantino, 'King of Soccer', Liverpool agree £116m Wirtz deal
Today in TAFC: How do people that know FIFA president Gianni Infantino view him? Plus: Frank signs deal at Tottenham, Trent unveiled.
Florian Wirtz is Liverpool's most thrilling signing since Fernando Torres - and a statement of intent
Anfield's executives do not often spend big on ready-made superstars but they were glad to make an exception for German star.
Why can 23-year-olds play at Euro U21s?
BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team looks at why 23-year-olds can play at the European Under-21 Championship - and looks at the 26-year-old who once led his country to the title.
How Robinson went from abuse to adulation at St Mirren
Life as St Mirren manager is an oasis of peace and serenity for Stephen Robinson, but it wasn't always that way, writes Liam McLeod.
Liverpool set to beat out football powerhouses in record-breaking $244m move
Liverpool’s move for Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz is all but confirmed, with the Reds agreeing to a British-record transfer fee of £116.5 million ($A244m) according to Sky Sports.
PSV Eindhoven goalkeeper Walter Benitez to have Crystal Palace medical
Benitez is set to be out of contract with PSV later this month and has not signed a new deal with the Eredivisie champions.
Gyökeres hits out at 'false reports' over future
Arsenal and Manchester United target Viktor Gyökeres has said he will talk about his future "when the time is right," hitting out at reports over an ongoing rift between him and his club, Sporting CP.
Where will Wirtz rank in list of most expensive signings?
With Florian Wirtz set to join the £100m club, BBC Sport looks at the most expensive football signings.
Thriving with LAFC, Hugo Lloris relishes another clash with Chelsea at Club World Cup
The French goalkeeper took some time to settle in MLS, but his heroics have helped his team to the summer showcase. When Los Angeles FC takes the field Monday in Atlanta for their first match in the Club World Cup, Hugo Lloris will step into a time machine.
Liverpool agree £116m deal with Bayer Leverkusen for Florian Wirtz
Liverpool have agreed a club-record deal to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. The Premier League champions will pay a guaranteed £100m for the coveted Germany international, plus potential add-ons of £16m that would make Wirtz the most expensive British transfer of all time.
Liverpool agree €136.3m transfer of Florian Wirtz from Leverkusen
The 22-year-old registered 16 goals and 15 assists across 45 games in 2024-25, as Leverkusen finished second in the Bundesliga.
Footballer who played on with stage four cancer dies
Charlie Watson, 20, continued playing for his club Threave Rovers despite his diagnosis.
Potential host cities talk 2031 Women's World Cup after U.S. Soccer initiates selection process
We know which cities will stage the men's tournament in 2026. Some potential hosts for the women's version are looking five years ahead.
Much-travelled Grayson named new Hartlepool boss
Simon Grayson becomes the new Hartlepool United manager for the eighth English job of his career.
Football transfer rumours: Garnacho off to Villa? Spurs in for Mbeumo?
Today’s rumours are eyeing the weekend. Alejandro Garnacho will be allowed to leave Manchester United this summer if the price is right. One surprising potential suitor is Aston Villa, who could make a move for the winger.
Thomas Frank is just what Tottenham need but will he be given time to prove it?
Manager is flexible but a slow starter with limited experience in Europe, and arrives as the love still lingers for former manager. Brøndby appointed Thomas Frank as manager in June 2013 and did not win any of their first eight games of the 2013-14 season.
Extreme heat poses a danger to players and fans at Club World Cup
Already controversial because of extra fixtures and Fifa involvement, the new tournament in the US is likely to be played in temperatures above 30C. Across this weekend, the US National Weather Service is predicting “moderate” heat risk for Miami and Los Angeles.
Celtic open talks with Sweden winger Nygren - gossip
Celtic linked with a move for Nordsjaelland and Sweden winger Benjamin Nygren, while Rangers have reportedly been beaten to the signing of Turkey Under-21 international Emirhan Demircan.
Watch England U19s go for European glory on the BBC
Find out how to follow the European Under-19 Championships across the BBC.
